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There is enough genre-specific familiarity on this record to call it "pop country", but honestly that would be doing it a disservice. There are so many tasteful production and songwriting decisions on this record that set it apart from others in the genre. This record plays with aural space to give each song a great sense of depth and presence, with Musgraves' soft, emotional vocals tying each track together gracefully. I have been enamored with this record from the first listen, and intend to put many more miles on it. "High Horse" is a knockout disco-pop hit, with "Space Cowboy", "Velvet Elvis", and "Lonely Weekend" coming in as other highlights, but all tracks contribute to the album's overall trajectory. A great listen for pop, indie, and country lovers alike.

An early contender for my record of the year, Kacey Musgraves's lyrically inventive GOLDEN HOUR showcases her trademark sense of the bittersweet. "Butterflies," "Space Cowboy," and "Velvet Elvis" are my favorites, but there's not a bad track on here.

Kacey releases records, and this one is no exception. Contains stellar songwriting, disco-strings and beats, and, 70's vocals, and one of the best country tunes of the last five years in "Space Cowboy." Highly recommended.

A more diverse sound palette from Musgraves. Including at least two instant classics in "Slow Burn" and "Space Cowboy," and the perfect country-disco hybrid track we didn't know we needed, "High Horse."

You can hear her country roots, but this album has lots of pop, disco, synth influences as well. I saw her perform at the Fox and she's as genuinely adorable as her lyrics. (“If you’re ever gonna find a silver lining... it’s gotta be a cloudy day.”) This album is def going on the short-list for best of 2018.